that she was very much a woman. Her long passion for Leicester, which had scared the very devil out of her ministers who feared she might one day marry him for love, didn't keep her from admiring other young symbols of male charm and virility.
“Far be it from me to cast doubt on the authenticity of her virginity,” Sir David said sardonically, “But if it's a fact, she's one of the few left in England.” He stood up. “You know, she probably is still virgin, at that. She's much too shrewd to risk any scandal as dangerous as a pregnancy, for example. Anyway, there are ways enough to gain the joys of sex, without actual fornication.”
Seeing that his guest was preparing to leave, Robert stood up and waved to a servant standing by the steps on the other side of the lawn.
“How true. Well, whatever be the case, she's a fantastic woman and one of the greatest rulers this land has ever had.”
The servant approached and Robert ordered Sir David's coach to be brought to the front of the house.
“I shall send a messenger to let you know exactly when we are leaving, but you'd better begin your preparations immediately.”
“I have taken the liberty of seeing to much of the preparation already. I shall be ready to accompany you at a day's notice.”
“Good.” Sir David smiled. “I expect you are bringing that fascinating young ward of yours?”
“It would hardly be wise to leave her here alone,” he chuckled. “She's getting more beautiful every day.” And more brazen, he added to himself.
“Good. She will soon be a young lady, and Elizabeth's court holds many opportunities for beautiful young ladies.” He glanced sideways at his host. “Especially if they are clever-and discreet.”
Remembering thinking earlier that Belinda might prove useful at court, Robert was pleased to find that the idea had also entered Sir David's mind. They would discuss it further when the occasion arose. For the moment he only nodded.
“She is both.”
Sir David looked to where his carriage was waiting and quickened his step. He was quite satisfied with the afternoon's converse. They understood each other, these two men. Though both were sincerely concerned with the best interests of the country, they were also well aware that rich rewards awaited their service.
Robert waved as Sir David drove off.
It had been a good day and he could now start making plans to ensure that it would be a good night, as well.
CHAPTER FOUR
Night had fallen by the time Robert started down the broad hallway to his niece's room. As yet, he had no clearly formed plan of what he intended to do, but his lust allowed him to wait no longer.
Although Belinda's old nurse slept in the same wing, her room was further down the hall and she was getting rather deaf. Robert chuckled at the thought of the old woman's face should she come upon him deflowering her treasure, but there was no real fear of that.
Thinking of the scene he had witnessed that afternoon, and the clear view he had had of that tasty cunt, those white, downy thighs, the other day, Robert quickened his step. Damn her, he'd take her by force, if he had to. He'd rather not, thinking of the pleasure to be gained by an initiation into all the arts and secrets of which he was a master, but he must have her, one way or the other.
He stopped outside her door. His hand on the handle, he hesitated. Now that he was here, he was beginning to get nervous. Well, he who hesitates is lost, they say. He turned the handle.
Belinda was sitting up in bed, looking out the window. She wore a light, diaphanous nightgown and her high, firm breasts were clearly revealed. They were amazingly womanly for a girl so young and had the added virtue of the upward thrust of youth. The nipples, hardened by the cool night air, pushed in sharp little points against the light material.
Robert crossed the room and sat on the bed, as Belinda looked up.
“Oh, Uncle! Have you come to kiss me goodnight? I hope you'll stay and talk to me for a few minutes. I'm not the least bit sleepy.”
She moved over on the bed so that he would have more room. He reached out and stroked her long, shiny hair.
“That's fine. I'm not the least bit sleepy myself, and my own company was proving rather tedious.” His fingers moved from her hair to stroke her neck, playing with the pink shell of her ear. She arched her neck and pressed her face sensuously against his hand.
“Are you going to kiss me goodnight before we talk, or afterwards?”
Was she actually trying to seduce him? Surely she wasn't that brazen and yet the dark eyes that looked up at him from under half closed lids were hardly those of an innocent child.
He took her face in both hands, and leaned forward. He kissed her lips lightly, but she brought her arms up and pulled him down beside her, so he kissed her again.
“Oh, Uncle, do kiss me some more. How nice it is.”
This time she reached up and put her hands on the back of Robert's head, holding his face against hers. Her lips parted under his and he held her to him tightly. This was no goodnight kiss between niece and uncle.
He pushed his tongue against her teeth, and, sensing what he wanted, she opened her mouth, letting in his probing tongue. How cool and sweet she tasted.
In a moment she retaliated, darting her sharp, pink tongue into his open mouth. She learned fast.
For a long moment the kiss held and Robert felt his loins gain heat. His penis was hard and pressing against the little body he held in his arms, albeit through several layers of clothing and blanket.
She moved her mouth but retained her grasp on him, her hands moving over his head and neck, her fingers running up through his hair.
“Uncle, stay awhile. It makes me feel so good to cuddle you.”
Robert nibbled her ear, putting his arm around her hips in such a way that his hand fell against the crevice at the top of her thighs. He stroked her thigh, feeling the creamy skin through the thin sheet and nightdress. He kissed her mouth again as his stroking fingers found the tight little well that opened between her legs. She murmured as his ringers caressed her, pushing her body into him. She could feel the hard shaft of his penis between them and longed to reach down and touch it.
Robert whispered in her ear. “Do you want me to fondle you as you fondled yourself on the edge of the stream the other day?”
She half sat up, her eyes wide. “Where were you? Did you see me?”
“Yes, I saw you.” Robert pulled her down again, sliding his hand under the sheet, so that only the gossamer of her nightdress lay between his fingers and her bare flesh. He felt his stomach tighten and his balls gathered up hard against him. She was here! Actually under his hand! He trembled.
Belinda wriggled her round buttocks back against his hand, spreading her legs slightly so that his fingers slid up the lips of her vagina.
“You aren't angry, are you? It feels so good.” “No,” Robert answered, continuing to titillate the plump, now- moistening flesh. “I'm not angry. Do you want me to do it to you?”
“Oh, yes!” Belinda turned her face away. She was a little embarrassed, but much too excited to let that stop her. Her belly was growing hot and she could feel the juice start to trickle between her legs.
Robert stood up and pulled back the coverlet. Belinda lay on the bed looking up at him, her legs spread in abandon. His guts knotted into a tight ball as he looked down at the tender, young flesh so eagerly awaiting his caress.
He sat down beside her again and ran his hand up her leg, stroking the back of her knee, kneading the rounded thigh.
“It will be easier if we take this nightgown off.”
Belinda sat up, lifting her arms for him to slip the garment over, then lay back down again, pulling her knees
